The Canadian government has introduced new temporary resident rules to protect the country’s borders and immigration system. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the latest regulations on February 12, 2025. These regulations empower immigration officials to cancel temporary resident documents under certain circumstances.
According to the BBC, the cancellations could include electronic travel authorisations (eTAs), work and study permits, and temporary resident visas (TRVs).
Details of the new Canada immigration rules
According to the IRCC, the regulations allow officials to cancel documents if they have reasonable grounds to believe that a foreign national will not leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay.
The new rules are expected to lead to approximately 7,000 additional cancellations of temporary resident visas, work permits, and study permits.
These changes came after reports indicated that around 50,000 international students who applied for study permits in Canada did not attend the institutions to which they were accepted.
Eligibility and compliance requirements
Canada emphasised that individuals worldwide are welcome to study, visit, or work in the country, provided they comply with the eligibility requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.
All temporary residents must have a TRV or eTA to enter Canada, and those wishing to study or work must obtain the appropriate permits.
The new rules will particularly affect international students and those applying for study permits in the new year. Canada is set to issue 437,000 study permits for 2025.
Reasons for Temporary Visa Cancellation in Canada
The IRCC outlined several grounds for cancelling temporary visas:
- Ineligibility: If an individual is deemed ineligible due to criminal history or providing false information.
- Overstay: If officials believe the individual will not leave Canada by the end of their approved stay.
- Document Issues: If documents are stolen, damaged, or lost.
- Errors and Status Change: If documents are issued mistakenly or if the individual becomes a permanent resident or dies.
Consequences of temporary resident visa cancellation Foreign nationals affected by these new rules may face several consequences:
- They may be required to leave Canada if deemed ineligible.
- They may be denied boarding at the airport.
- They may be refused entry into Canada at the port of entry.
- They may incur financial losses if they have purchased travel tickets but are no longer authorized to travel to Canada.
